Apparatus For Protecting Skimmer Pump Lines

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for enhancing the performance of skimmer baskets in swimming pools and preventing corrosion in pool equipment is disclosed. The apparatus may be disposed beneath a skimmer basket and may function as a filter for solid waste, while simultaneously acting as a sacrificial component for corrosion prevention of essential pool equipment. Manufactured using a galvanic anode, the apparatus may effectively prevent debris from entering the skimmer pumping system. The dimensions of the apparatus may be customized based on various factors, such as the size and shape of the pool, the skimmer basket, and the pump system used. With adjustable or modular components, the apparatus allows users to adapt the device to their specific needs and is designed for easy installation, removal, and cleaning. The apparatus may be installed in swimming pools, hot tubs, or other water-containing structures requiring filtration and corrosion protection.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in-part of U.S. Non-ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 63/332,762 entitled, “APPARATUS FORPROTECTING SKIMMER PUMP LINES” filed Apr. 20, 2022.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices for enhancing theperformance of pool skimmers. More specifically, the present inventionis related to an apparatus for enhancing the performance of skimmerbaskets used in swimming pools while also preventing corrosion in poolequipment.

BACKGROUND

Pool skimmers are filters designed to capture floating debris before itsinks to the bottom of the pool. Swimming pools, typically locatedoutdoors, accumulate a variety of debris such as leaves, hair, pollen,goggles, plastic covers/wrappers, toys, insects, small animals likefrogs/rats, and others, which can contaminate the pool. To address thisissue, a filtering system that continuously extracts debris from thepool surface is necessary to maintain cleanliness.

Skimmer baskets are commonly used to collect and remove debris frompools. These baskets may be connected to the pool's extraction pumps.While the skimmer basket collects debris, it and the connectedpumps/pipes may suffer from corrosion due to the quantity and quality ofwater processed daily. A solution that prevents both corrosion of poolequipment and debris from entering the pumps is desirable for mostpools.

Various prior art has attempted to address the above-mentioned problem,such as U.S. Pat. No. 10,526,808B2 which discloses apparatuses forimproving pool skimmers. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a poolskimmer basket system that includes a skimmer basket, a first tube thatis attached to the skimmer basket, and a second tube that is adjacent toand rotatable relative to the first tube. The first tube includes alongitudinal slot that feeds water into the skimmer basket. Withoutbeing bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the slotincreases the velocity of water flowing into the basket and that thesystem increases the debris-holding capacity and allows one to avoidhaving to reach through dirty water to remove the skimmer basket.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,864,986B1 discloses apparatuses for improving poolskimmers. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a pool skimmer basketsystem that includes a skimmer basket, a first tube that is attached tothe skimmer basket, and a second tube that is adjacent to and rotatablerelative to the first tube. The first tube includes a longitudinal slotthat feeds water into the skimmer basket. Without being bound by anyparticular theory, it is believed that the slot increases the velocityof water flowing into the basket and that the system increases thedebris-holding capacity and allows one to avoid having to reach throughdirty water to remove the skimmer basket.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,347,234B2 discloses an improved pool skimmer basketassembly with skimmer vent tower adapter for mounting a skimmer venttower on a pool skimmer basket allows for the existing design of askimmer vent tower to be retrofitted with any pool skimmer basket and/orany pool skimmer. The adapter is reversibly secured between any poolskimmer basket available on the market and the skimmer vent towerwithout requiring modifications to either part. Applicant's assemblyutilizes the substantially centrally positioned skimmer vent tower of anexisting design to provide a means by which water is vented through thebasket, even when the strainer orifices are clogged. When the userrequires a different size of basket and/or a new basket, he can easilyremove the adapter attached to the inner bottom portion of the basketand place it on another basket without forgoing the use of the skimmervent tower altogether. Ease of removing the adapter and either attachingit to a new basket of the same or a differing size not only preventsadditional expense but takes advantage of the skimmer vent tower and,ultimately, all advantages offered by it.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,132,096B2 discloses apparatuses for improving poolskimmers. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a pool skimmer basketsystem that includes a skimmer basket, a first tube that is attached tothe skimmer basket, and a second tube that is adjacent to and rotatablerelative to the first tube. The first tube includes a longitudinal slotthat feeds water into the skimmer basket. Without being bound by anyparticular theory, it is believed that the slot increases the velocityof water flowing into the basket and that the system increases thedebris-holding capacity and allows one to avoid having to reach throughdirty water to remove the skimmer basket.

While these prior art proposals offer one or more solutions, they arecomplex in nature and may not be compatible with existinginfrastructure. Consequently, a simple, easy-to-install, and portablesolution is needed. The present invention proposes such a solution.

SUMMARY

In light of the disadvantages mentioned in the previous section, thefollowing summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some ofthe innovative features unique to the present invention and is notintended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the variousaspects of the invention can be gained by taking the entirespecification and drawings as a whole.

The present invention aims to address the disadvantages mentioned aboveby providing an apparatus that can be installed in conjunction withskimmer baskets to prevent debris from entering pump lines and protectpool equipment from corrosion by functioning as a sacrificial component.The apparatus is manufactured using a galvanic anode, such as aluminum,which corrodes easily, thereby delaying corrosion of more valuableequipment/components. The apparatus is fixed below the skimmer basket,serving as a filter for solid waste and a corrosion prevention componentsimultaneously.

This summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some exampleembodiments, to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of thesubject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciatedthat the above-described features are merely examples and should not beconstrued to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter describedherein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of thesubject matter described herein will become apparent from the followingdetailed description and figures.

The abovementioned embodiments and further variations of the proposedinvention are discussed further in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 & 2 are exemplary depictions of the proposed apparatus accordingto the embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a depiction of the proposed apparatus before corrosion andafter corrossion according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a depiction of the proposed apparatus installed under askimmer basket within a filtration system according to the embodimentsof the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes an apparatus for preventing debris fromentering pool lines, which may be installed beneath a skimmer basket orsimilar filtration system commonly found in swimming pools. In additionto preventing debris such as small toys, insects, small animals, leaves,and other related debris from entering the skimmer pumping system, theapparatus also prevents corrosion of essential pool equipment.

In the following description of the embodiments of the invention,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof,and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments inwhich the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice theinvention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments maybeutilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scopeof the present invention. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of thepresent invention is defined only by the appended claims.

The specification may refer to “an”, “one” or “some” embodiment(s) inseveral locations. This does not necessarily imply that each suchreference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only appliesto a single embodiment. A single feature of different embodiments mayalso be combined to provide other embodiments.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. Itwill be further understood that the terms “includes”, “comprises”,“including” and/or “comprising” when used in this specification, specifythe presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elementsand/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or”includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of theassociated listed. tems.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It willbe further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

In the foregoing sections, some features are grouped together in asingle embodiment for streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that thedisclosed embodiments of the present disclosure must use more featuresthan are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the followingclaims reflect, the inventive subject matter lies in less than allfeatures of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claimsare hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate embodiment.

The apparatus is designed as a sacrificial component. As most poolequipment, including pipes and pumps, is both valuable and prone tocorrosion, providing a sacrificial component that delays or preventscorrosion of essential equipment is beneficial. A galvanic anode, suchas aluminium, is used to manufacture the apparatus, which is fixed belowthe skimmer basket. The apparatus functions as both a filter for solidwaste and a corrosion prevention component. As the apparatus acts as asacrificial anode, it prevents or delays corrosion of crucial poolequipment such as skimmer pipes and pumps. The apparatus may be replacedperiodically once it corrodes completely.

A galvanic anode is a sacrificial metal that is used to protect other,more valuable metals from corrosion. The anode material should have amore negative electrochemical potential than the material it is intendedto protect. Examples of materials that can be used as galvanic anodesinclude:

Zinc: Zinc is a common anode material and is widely used for cathodicprotection in various applications, such as marine structures,underground pipelines, and steel-reinforced concrete structures.

Magnesium: Magnesium is another common anode material with a higherdriving voltage than zinc. It is used for cathodic protection infreshwater systems, soil environments, and buried metallic structures.

Aluminium: Aluminium anodes are used in various applications, includingmarine environments, due to their lightweight properties and goodelectrochemical performance. Aluminium anodes are often used in alloyform, with added elements such as indium, gallium, or zinc, to improvetheir performance.

Iron: Iron can be used as a galvanic anode in certain applications, butits use is less common due to its lower driving voltage andsusceptibility to passivation, which can reduce its effectiveness.

Tin: Tin can be used as a galvanic anode in specific environments, suchas those with low oxygen content or low water flow rates. However, it isless common than other anode materials due to its limited range ofapplications and higher cost.

These materials can be used alone or in combination to form alloys withspecific properties tailored to the particular application andenvironment where the galvanic anode will be used. The choice of anodematerial depends on factors such as the type of metal being protected,the environment in which the anode will be used, and the requiredperformance and service life of the anode.

The accompanying figures illustrate the proposed apparatus in variousstates, including before and after corrosion. The dimensions of theapparatus may be modified according to the requirements of the user asunderstood by a person skilled in the art.

The dimensions of the apparatus may be customized based on variousfactors, including the size and shape of the pool, the skimmer basket,and the pump system being used. In some embodiments, the apparatus maybe available in a range of standard sizes to accommodate common pool andskimmer configurations. Alternatively, the apparatus may be designedwith adjustable or modular components, allowing users to adapt thedevice to their specific needs.

To determine the appropriate dimensions for the apparatus, the user maytake into consideration the following factors:

Skimmer basket size and shape: The apparatus should be designed to fitsecurely underneath the skimmer basket, providing adequate coverage andprotection for the pump lines. The dimensions of the apparatus shouldaccount for any protrusions or irregular shapes of the skimmer basket.

Pump line diameter and configuration: The apparatus should be sized toaccommodate the diameter of the pump lines and any additional fittingsor connections that may be present. This may require the user to measurethe pump lines and determine the optimal size and shape for theapparatus.

Pool or tub size and shape: The apparatus should be designed to provideeffective protection for the entire pool or tub. Larger pools mayrequire larger or multiple apparatuses to ensure adequate coverage. Inaddition, the shape of the pool or tub may influence the shape anddimensions of the apparatus, particularly in cases where the pool hasirregular or curved edges.

Material properties: The choice of material for the apparatus may alsoinfluence its dimensions, as different materials may have varying levelsof strength, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. A thicker materialmay provide better protection but may also increase the overall size andweight of the apparatus.

Ease of installation and maintenance: The dimensions of the apparatusshould be designed with ease of installation and maintenance in mind.The apparatus should be easy to install, remove, and clean whennecessary, without requiring any specialized tools or equipment.

By taking these factors into consideration, users can customize thedimensions of the apparatus to provide optimal protection againstcorrosion and prolong the life of their pool equipment.

The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments refers tothe accompanying drawings that depict exemplary embodiments consistentwith the present invention. Other embodiments are possible andmodifications may be made to the embodiments within the spirit and scopeof the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is notmeant to limit the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention isdefined by the appended claims.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 are exemplary illustrationsof the apparatus 100 disclosed herein according to the embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary illustration of the apparatus with the left side300A without corrosion and a corroded right side 300B.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the proposed apparatusdisposed under a skimmer basket in a filtration system according to thepresent disclosure. The apparatus may be disposed under the skimmerbasket and over the pump lines that connect the skimmer pumps to thepool, as depicted in the figures and as would be understood by a personskilled in the art. The drawings provided herein are merely for thepurpose of illustration. The dimensions of the apparatus may be modifiedaccording to the requirements of the user as understood by a personskilled in the art.

In various embodiments, the apparatus may be installed in swimmingpools, hot tubs, or other water-containing structures that requirefiltration and corrosion protection. The apparatus may be designed to becompatible with a variety of skimmer baskets and pump systems, providinga versatile and easily adaptable solution for different pool or tubconfigurations.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include additional features suchas a handle or other attachment means for easy removal and replacementwhen necessary. The apparatus may also be designed to be easily cleanedor maintained by the user, further extending the life of the poolequipment and reducing maintenance costs.

The above-described exemplary embodiments of the present invention arefor the purpose of illustration only. Although the invention has beendescribed in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, numerousmodifications may be made without materially departing from theteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Othersubstitutions, modifications, and changes may be made without departingfrom the spirit of the present invention. All the features disclosed inthis specification (including any accompanying drawings) and/or all ofthe steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in anycombination, except combinations where at least some of such featuresand/or steps are mutually exclusive.

The terms “include,” “have,” and variations thereof, as used herein,have the same meaning as the term “comprise” or an appropriate variationthereof. Furthermore, the term “based on”, as used herein, means “basedat least in part on.” Thus, a feature that is described as based on somestimulus can be based on the stimulus or a combination of stimuliincluding the stimulus.

The present description has been shown and described with reference tothe foregoing examples. It is understood, however, that other forms,details, and examples can be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the present subject matter.

It may be noted that the above-described examples of the presentsolution are for the purpose of illustration only. Although the solutionhas been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment thereof,numerous modifications may be possible without materially departing fromthe teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein.Other substitutions, modifications, and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present solution. All the featuresdisclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,abstract, and drawings), and all of the steps of any method or processso disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinationswhere at least some of such features or steps are mutually exclusive.

The terms “include,” “have,” and variations thereof, as used herein,have the same meaning as the term “comprise” or an appropriate variationthereof. Furthermore, the term “based on”, as used herein, means “basedat least in part on.” Thus, a feature that is described as based on somestimulus can be based on the stimulus or a combination of stimuliincluding the stimulus.

The present description has been shown and described with reference tothe foregoing examples. It is understood, however, that other forms,details, and examples can be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the present subject matter that is defined in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for enhancing the performance ofskimmer baskets in swimming pools and preventing corrosion in poolequipment, comprising: a galvanic anode, which is disposed beneath askimmer basket and functions as a filter for solid waste, andsimultaneously as a sacrificial component for corrosion prevention ofessential pool equipment.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thegalvanic anode is manufactured from at least one or a combination ofaluminium, zinc, iron, tin, or magnesium.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the apparatus is configured to prevent debris from entering theskimmer pumping system.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theapparatus is configured for installation in swimming pools, hot tubs, orwater-containing structures that require filtration and corrosionprotection.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a handle orattachment for easy removal and replacement.